Golf is a game that requires precision and patience. Developing mastery of golf can take many years and many hours of swing analysis. Of course, it couldn't hurt to read a few tips for improving your game. This article gets to the heart of the game of golf, by providing proven strategies to lower your score and win you games.

As you drive, shoulder position and arm motion will prove critical to increasing distance and straightening out your drive. It is advisable to keep your shoulders square. In addition, as you swing, pull with both arms in order to flatten your club's downward arc. These motions allow you to bring the most momentum on the ball.

If you find yourself playing just as often in the trees as you do in the fairway, take the time to learn how to play a punch shot. By playing a punch with your mid-range irons, you can get a decent amount of distance from the rough without the concern of the loft of your club launching the ball into any tree branches hanging overhead.

Try squats to aid mobility. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Place the club in front of you and hold it for balance. Lower your body by bending your knees. Repeat this 15 times, making sure to keep your upper body straight. This will increase circulation and blood flow, allowing your body to warm up in order to make a comfortable first swing.

A great golfing tip is to be aware of your grip because your grip has an effect on which way the ball will go. If you want the ball to go more towards the right, then hold the club tighter. If you want the ball to go more towards the left, then hold the club looser.

A helpful tip when it comes to golf is to make sure that you follow your ball after you hit it. This is extremely important so that you do not waste time by looking for your ball. If you have trouble tracking your shots, you may ask somebody else in your party to assist you in locating your shots.

Every several months, check your grips for wear. Smooth grips can lead to slips during your swing, which in turn lead to poor shots and high scores. If you notice your grips becoming too smooth, take them to your pro shop or local golf superstore and have them re-gripped before your next round.

For a solid swing each and every time, consider overlapping your index finger on your non-dominant hand with your pinkie finger of your dominant hand when gripping your club. This interlocking grip reduces the chance that your club will twist during your swing, while providing a solid foundation for a steady swing.

If you want to be a good golfer, you need to be a good athlete. Golf requires balance, strength, flexibility and endurance. If you lack these you will not be able to hit the ball true or far. Additionally,you will not enjoy the game because you will be highly likely to hurt yourself. Get in shape to play golf.

To improve your score fast, focus on your short shots because they make up the greater percentage of the game. New golfers often put a lot of focus on driving, but this won't bring up your score as quickly as getting really good at getting the ball into the hole.

The tips in this article are not a quick fix. Putting them to use will require a lot of dedication and practice. If you put in the time and effort, you will be rewarded with better swings, lower scores, and most importantly, the sense of accomplishment that you will get from the mastery of any difficult endeavor.